Elmwood

Gary I. Larson October 25, 2017

Gary I. Larson age 70 of Menomonie passed away on Wednesday October 25, 2017 at his home surrounded by his family.

Gary was born April 1, 1947 in Eau Claire. He was the son of Irving and Evelyn (Mattison) Larson and grew up in Eau Claire. Gary graduated from Memorial High School in 1965. He attended and graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Stout with a B.S. Degree in Industrial Technology. Gary was drafted into the U.S. Army on November 6, 1969. Gary was stationed in Washington D.C. and was a member of the OLD Guard, which preformed the military honors at Arlington National Cemetery, and his platoon provided the military honors for Audie Murphy. While in the service, Gary also played fast pitch softball. He was the pitcher and their team took first place the first year and second place the following year.

After the service he returned to the University of Wisconsin-Stout and obtained his 2nd Bachelor’s Degree in Industrial Education in 1972. Gary married Helen C. Thorson November 18, 1972 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Menomonie. Gary began his career in the construction business and built approximately 50 homes in the Menomonie area, including both his homes. In 1989 Gary went to work as a carpenter for the University of Wisconsin-Stout for eighteen years, until he retired in 2007. Since retirement he continued to work on small jobs, doing garage door installation & repair and doing home siding jobs.

Gary is survived by his wife Helen, a daughter Jolene (Allen) Miller of Menomonie, a son Matthew of Menomonie, two grandchildren, Brittany (Justin) Andrews of Menomonie, Hannah Larson of Menomonie; a brother Ronald (Karen) of Racine, several nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents, and niece, Kimberly Larson.

Memorial services will be 11:00 AM Saturday November 11, 2017 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Menomonie with Rev. James Kurzynski officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery with military honors provided by the Menomonie Veterans Guard.

Visitation will be held from 10:00 AM until the time of the services at the church on Saturday.

Visitation

Condolences

Red and Terri Steinke November 11, 2017, at 12:30pm

So sorry the weather did not cooperate to come over
for Gary's service. We both will miss him. He has
been such a good friend for so many years. Hope to
see you soon, Helen, please keep in touch.

Steven Skjegstad November 11, 2017, at 8:54am

Dear Helen,
Sorry to hear of Gary's passing. I know it's been a few moons since we've last spoken but I have not forgotten you guys. I have many fond memories building houses and remodeling with Gary back in the day. To me Gary was a great role model, he taught me a good work ethic and shared his great sense of humor. He will be missed. May he rest in peace.
Helen and family, sorry for your loss.
Sincerely,
Steve Skjegstad

Annette Taylor November 4, 2017, at 2:08pm

Helen, I'm thinking of you during this time. I always enjoyed my conversations with Gary and know how important family was to him. I'm so sorry for your loss. Annette

Richard(Andy)&KathyAnderson November 1, 2017, at 12:58am

Dear Helen & Family,
We wanted to let you know that we are thinking of
each of you during this time of sorrow while dealing
with Gary's death. We are sending prayers and many
thoughts and memories your way. Take Care,
Andy&Kathy

Dave Amundson October 31, 2017, at 11:26am

Gary was a great friend. We did a lot of things together. Played cards with Irv, Ev, Ron, Karen, and Gary. My wife and I visited Gary in Washington DC for the 4th of July 1971. When he was in the Army, he brought a parachute flare home and launched it on New Year's Eve. It lit up the sky and surrounding area by I-94, Often wondered what driver's on I-94 thought they saw that night :-) When you have a friend like Gary, there are so many stories to tell. Some things we don't want our grandkids to think they could get away with :-) Rest in peace Gary - - - Great Friend!!!

Shelly Hendrickson October 30, 2017, at 3:30pm

Gary was such a pleasant guy to work with. Prayers to you and your family, Helen.
My deepest sympathies,
Shelly

Joseph Maglio October 30, 2017, at 1:34pm

Dear Helen and Family. My deepest condolences on the passing of Gary. I counted him as a good friend and great help with my projects. Assuredly he will be greatly missed.
Joe

Nick & Maxine Omdahl October 30, 2017, at 1:06pm

Helen, Ron, Karen & Family we were saddened to hear of Gary's passing. We've lost contact since high school but still hold memories of our youth. May God grant you peace and comfort in these days and may Gary's memory sustain you until you see him again in heaven.

Elizabeth (Betty) McRoberts October 30, 2017, at 12:53pm

Helen, my dear I am so sad for you and you, Matt and all of your family. May God hold you and help you heal from your loss. Betty.

MERRI KING October 30, 2017, at 12:49pm

Helen and family - saddened to hear about the loss of Gary. I worked with him on the procurement side when he needed materials for carpentry work orders on the UW-Stout campus. He had such a big beautiful heart and his smile always brightened my day. After his retirement whenever he would see me out walking near the campus he pull over in his truck and say hello and ask how I was doing. I will never forget him.

Jim Guenther October 30, 2017, at 12:47pm

Helen, I am sorry to hear of Gary's passing. It has been a joy to work with Gary when we were both at Stout.

Jim G

Deb (Birkholz) Friis October 30, 2017, at 12:43pm

Helen and family, I'm so sorry to hear about Gary. I always loved having conversations with the two of you at the Stout campus. I know the great memories you have will help comfort you during this loss. My deepest sympathy! Deb

Jim Rassbach October 30, 2017, at 7:41am

Sorry to hear about Gary. Gary was part of Troop 133 BSA Eau Claire - "The Troop than rarely met indoors" - my dad, Don, was his Troop Leader. Many years ago! Gary was a senior leader when I was in scouting. Thinking of years back and the family. Jim Rassbach

Patrick Thibado October 28, 2017, at 3:03pm

Helen and family, I am so very sad to hear of Gary's passing. I consider Gary a close and dear friend, I share in your loss. Please let me know if there is anything I can ever help you with, it was what tied us together and that continues on. I was also surprised and saddened to hear of the loss of your sister, Helen. I can only hope that your love and strength will help you through this terrible time of loss. All our best, Carol and Pat Thibado

Larry Klawiter October 28, 2017, at 10:15am

Helen and family,
I was so sorry to hear of Gary's passing. We shared a lot of laughs and memorable times during his time at Stout.

Terry Nichols October 28, 2017, at 7:21am

Helen, so sorry to hear of Gary's passing, prayers to you and your family.

Pat Stoll October 27, 2017, at 7:31am

My deepest sympathy to the family. I am so very sorry for the loss of your loved one. The days will get a little easier as time passes. Remember all the memories and joy and happiness you have had with him.

Cathy Erickson October 27, 2017, at 7:15am

Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Katie Ginsbach October 26, 2017, at 6:37pm

My deepest condolences to all. Whenever I think of him I hear his laugh. He was a great man with a good heart and will be greatly missed.

Doreen Watkins October 26, 2017, at 6:37pm

Helen, I am so sorry to hear of Gary’s passing. He was such a good guy and always so happy to be around. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this very sad time. Your friend, Doreen